Last Name Caracci

The surname Caracci has Italian origins. It is derived from the personal name Caraffa, which was used primarily in Southern Italy during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have been a diminutive form of the male name Carlo or Charles, meaning "manly, strong," and it is often associated with the region of Calabria. Variations of this surname include Caracciolo, Caracciolo di Gravina, Caracciolo di Martino, Caracciolo di Torella, and Caracciolo di Sarno.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Caracci

The meaning and origin of the last name Caracci

The surname Caracci, Italian in origin, is derived from the Latin word "caractus" meaning 'a small hill' or 'mound'. It was likely originally a topographic name for someone who lived near such a feature. Over time, it may have also been used as an occupational name for someone who built or maintained small embankments. The family name Caracci is most prominently found in regions of Italy such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, reflecting the spread of Italian populations during the Middle Ages. Notable individuals with the surname Caracci include painters Annibale Carracci and Agostino Carracci, both members of the influential Baroque art movement in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caracci

The surname Caracci is predominantly found in Italy, particularly in regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. These areas have historically been home to families with roots tracing back to the Renaissance period when the name was first documented. Some notable historical figures bearing this surname include artists such as Bartolomeo Caracci (1480-1523) and Agostino Carracci (1557-1602), who were important contributors to the Baroque movement in art. Additionally, there are significant Caracci communities in Argentina and Uruguay, which can be attributed to Italian immigration waves during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In more recent times, individuals with the surname Caracci can also be found in other parts of the world where Italians have emigrated, such as North America, Australia, and parts of Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caracci

The surname Caracci has several variants and spellings, reflecting its Italian origin. Some common variations include Caracciolo, Caracciolo di Gradi, Caracciolo di Martina, Caracciolo di Avellino, Caracciolo di Licata, Caracciolo di Molfetta, Caracciolo di San Severo, Caracciolo di Striano, Caracciolo di Torella, and Caracciolo di Villarosa. These variations may be due to regional differences, changes in family branches, or errors during record-keeping throughout history. Other spelling variations include Caracchi, Caracciu, Caraccio, and Carachhi. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different surname, as they are often just slight alterations of the same name.

Famous people with the last name Caracci

The Caracci family has produced several notable figures across various disciplines. Lorenzo Lippi, also known as Lo Spizzone Caracci, was an Italian Baroque painter whose works were primarily religious and often contained humorous or grotesque elements. Another famous member is Bartolomeo Caracci, a Renaissance sculptor who worked in Bologna and Modena, creating notable pieces like the tomb of Cardinal Ridolfi in San Giovanni in Monte. In the modern era, the family can boast the award-winning American actress Amy Ryan, whose career spans theatre, film, and television, earning her critical acclaim for roles in movies such as Gone Baby Gone, Dan in Real Life, and Birdman. Lastly, Gianluca Caracci is a professional Italian footballer who plays for Serie A club Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, showcasing exceptional skill on the pitch. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the surname Caracci.

Genealogical research on the last name Caracci

The Caracci surname originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian word "caraccio," meaning small boat or ship. The earliest recorded occurrence of the surname can be traced back to the region of Lombardy, specifically in the city of Bergamo, during the late Middle Ages. Over time, the Caracci family spread across Italy, particularly to other regions like Tuscany and Veneto. Notable members of the Caracci family include Giovanni Caracci, a painter of the late Renaissance period, and Antonio Caracciolo, an 18th-century composer. The Caracci surname also appears in other European countries due to immigration during the Italian diaspora. Today, the Caracci name is found primarily in Italy, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia. Genealogical research suggests that the Caracci lineage has a rich history of artists, scholars, and musicians.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Caracci"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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